Karnataka’s first combined-cycle gas plant in Yelahanka, which was inaugurated in September, has generated a total of 454 Million Units (MU) since. The plant, which has a generation capacity of 370 Mega Watts (MW) is expected to help in catering to the increased electricity demand in the upcoming summer.
“The plant has generated a good amount of electricity so far and it has been integrated with the power grid. From the grid, this power will be used to manage the peak demands of summer especially in Bengaluru City,” said an official from Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).
Gearing up for summer months
After Karnataka faced unprecedented electricity demand in 2023-24 due to drought, the Energy Department has this time prepared months in advance to handle the demand. As on January 25, the peak demand of the State was 16,804 MW.
Although the plant has not generated power the last few weeks due to tests and maintenance, it is likely to restart the generation this week, according to sources in KPCL.
Concerns about pollution
Meanwhile, the residents of housing complexes near the plant continue to object to the plant, alleging air and noise pollution issues.
“In the night, the vapour comes out like thick clouds of smoke. It also has a bad odour. With so many families living nearby, it has caused many health issues like throat irritation, cold and cough,” alleged Namitha, a resident of an apartment complex near the plant.
However, a KPCL official said, “According to Supreme Court orders, KSPCB has been monitoring the pollution levels at the plant. We are well within the permissible limits on all parameters.”
Bidadi WTE commissioning in 3-4 months
Another first project of its kind, the Waste to Energy (WTE) plant in Bidadi has also been generating 11.5 MW every day since the third week of December, which is also being added to the grid. However, the inauguration of the plant has faced multiple delays over the last year.
“It will take another three to four months for the plant to be handed over to the government and we cannot inaugurate it until then. While generation is going on, because of the recent accident, the private company is running more tests to ensure safety and that is taking some time,” the KPCL official said.
On January 5, five workers were injured after hot ash was suddenly released in the WTE plant. A worker also succumbed to his injuries two days later. The government, however, claimed no responsibility as the plant was not handed over.
Yet another innovative project, second life battery powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station, which is also awaiting inauguration, is expected to be commissioned in the upcoming week.
